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한국어
화재 — meaning in English: fire
hwajae · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
fire
화재
hwajae
종류
jonglyu
구제
guje
지역
jiyeog
램프
laempeu
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 화재 (hwajae) primarily in discussions about emergencies, safety protocols, or news reports involving fires. For instance, during a fire drill at school, teachers may explain the importance of fire safety by using this term, or in media reports, firefighters might refer to 화재 when discussing the causes and consequences of recent blazes.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym of 화재 is 불 (bul), which also means 'fire' but is used more informally. While 불 can refer to a flame or a cooking fire, 화재 specifically denotes a fire that poses a serious threat or hazard, making it more suitable in formal discussions about safety or emergencies.
Culture
The term 화재 has its roots in the combination of the characters 화 (hwa), meaning 'fire,' and 재 (jae), which refers to 'calamity' or 'disaster.' This etymological background emphasizes that fire can be both a natural element and a potential hazard. In Korean culture, fire safety is paramount, especially considering the country's history with devastating fires, leading to robust public awareness campaigns that often incorporate this word.
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